How Do I
eAudio FAQ
- What portable listening device should I buy?
- How do I know if my audio device is compatible?
- Can I transfer these books to my iPod? or
I am having trouble downloading to my Mac/transferring to my iPod. or
Why does the Library offer a service that is not compatible with Macs? - How do I search for eAudio in the Library Catalog?
- How long does it take to download a book?
- What sound quality should I download?
- How do I return a book early?
- What are the differences between OverDrive and Recorded Books/NetLibrary?
- How do I bookmark using Windows Media Player?
- Where can I find more information?
- What sound quality should I download?
- What portable listening device should I buy?
There are lots of choices for purchasing your own portable listening device. If you are planning to use your device to enjoy our new downloadable services, there are a couple of requirements to help narrow your choices.
- Any device you buy must:
- support copy-protected Windows Media Audio (WMA) files
- support a bit rate of 32kbps
- You may want to consider:
- getting a device that allows bookmarking
- getting a device that allows full time stamping (i.e. displays the complete play length of the book, some devices will only display a set number of hours)
- We recommend:
- checking the OverDrive Device Resource Center for a list of known compatible and incompatible devices
- choosing a device with a minimum storage capacity of 256MB
- consulting the consumer research for ratings on various players (visit any of our library locations for help with your research)
Unfortunately, iPods are currently not compatible (see question #3 for more information.)
- How do I know if my audio device is compatible?
OverDrive offers a Device Resource Center (http://www.overdrive.com/deviceresourcecenter/) listing all known compatible and incompatible devices. Unfortunately not all devices with the "Plays for Sure" logo are compatible, as previously thought. The OverDrive list is a work in progress so if you don't see your device listed, it doesn't mean that it won't work, but this is a good place to start.
- Can I transfer these books to my iPod? or
I am having trouble downloading to my Mac/transferring to my iPod. or
Why does the Library offer a service that is not compatible with Macs?Unfortunately, at this time, none of the downloadable audio book services that are available for libraries is compatible with Macs. If there had been an option that was Mac compatible, we would have selected that product. It is always our goal to offer services that are accessible to as broad an audience as possible. We debated at length about offering a service that was limited to PCs. However, since there is currently no Mac compatible audio book service available for libraries, and there is high demand for downloadable audio books, we decided to go ahead with the available services.
Downloadable audio book services for libraries are not compatible with Mac products because Mac products do not currently support copy-protected Windows Media Audio (WMA) files, a type of file that allows the audio books to expire, enabling fair use of services like these in libraries. We are hopeful that Apple and Microsoft can reach an agreement that would enable copy-protected WMA support on Mac products, or that another, Mac-compatible, product becomes available.
- How do I search for eAudio in the Library Catalog?
You can search for all available eAudio by doing an advanced keyword search in the Library Catalog. Just put an asterisk (*) in the search box, limit it to the material type eAudio, and make sure the search is set for ANY libraries. Please note that new titles may appear on the websites slightly before the catalog records are in the Catalog.
- How long does it take to download a book?
The time will vary based on the length of the book and the speed of your internet connection. The average eAudiobook file size is 140MB (about 10 hours long), taking around 12 minutes to download via cable modem. The following chart provides more detailed information.
Audiobook Estimated Download TimesDuration Quality File Size Download Times
(hours : minutes : seconds)Dial-up Modem 56K DSL 256K Cable Modem 1.5M 15 Hours CD Quality
(32 Kbps)217.8 MB 08:51:01 01:56:09 00:19:21 Radio Quality (4 Kbps) 41.1 MB 01:40:12 00:21:55 00:03:39 10 Hours CD Quality 145.2 MB 05:54:00 01:17:26 00:12:54 Radio Quality 27.4 MB 01:06:48 00:14:36 00:02:26 8 Hours CD Quality 116.16 MB 04:43:12 01:01:57 00:10:19 Radio Quality 21.92 MB 00:53:26 00:11:41 00:01:56 5 Hours CD Quality 72.6 MB 02:57:00 00:38:43 00:06:27 Radio Quality 13.7 MB 00:33:24 00:07:18 00:01:13 - What sound quality should I download?
- How do I return a book early?
- What are the differences between OverDrive and Recorded Books/NetLibrary?
OverDrive NetLibrary / Recorded Books Creating an Account Create your account using your library card number. Each time you login you will enter your card number. Your card must be in good standing to use the service. You will be prompted to enter your library card number at our authentication page. After entering your number, click on the "Create a Free Account" link in the upper right corner. How to access Through the catalog or from this overdrive link Through the catalog or from this netlibrary link Content Currently over 700 audio and over 700 video titles, both fiction and nonfiction, entertainment and informational. More titles will be added regularly. Opening day collection of 1,100 titles, with 30-50 added each month. Fiction, nonfiction, Pimsleur Language Program, Holy Bible. Burn to CD/DVD? Most audio book titles can be burned to CD. Video titles cannot be burned to DVD No Mac/iPod compatible? No No Loan Limit 10 titles 10 titles Loan Period 21 days (audio), 7 days (video). 21 days Software Requirements? Yes. You must download the free OverDrive Media Console to listen, transfer, and burn titles. This is a quick process that is explained more fully on the OverDrive site. 
No. You just need Windows Media Player version 9 or higher. If you have a lower version, you will need to download an upgrade if your PC can support it. 
- How do I bookmark using Windows Media Player?
Windows Media Player does not offer bookmarking, but you can utilize the "file marker" tool. Some digital media files contain markers, which are like tracks on a CD. When you select a marker from a list, the Player begins playing the section of the file associated with that marker. This won't place you at the exact spot that you left off, but it will get you close. You can then use the fast forward or rewind buttons to locate your spot. To access the file marker tool, open the application menus (the small down arrow in the upper right corner of Windows Media Player), select the View menu, point to File Markers, and then click a marker to play from that point.
- Where can I find more information?
OverDrive - Look through the information in the yellow Getting Started box at the top of the OverDrive page.
NetLibrary/Recorded Books - Try the Audiobooks Center Tips link at the top right of the NetLibrary page, or the Help tab along the top left. You will be able to access these once you enter your library card number for authentication. For additional assistance, contact NetLibrary 24 hour tech support 1-800-848-5800.
You can also contact your library for more information.
Return to the topThis depends on the speed of your internet connection and your personal taste. However, if you are going to transfer and listen to an eAudiobook on a portable device you should download the CD quality file.
eAudio titles expire automatically and cannot be returned early.
